Let's Andaman
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LET’S ANDAMAN 1 | Andaman Webinar 1 First Impression of Andaman 2 Important information for travellers 3 Main highlights at a glance AGENDA Andaman Webinar | 2 ISLAND The perfect sun, sand and surf experience 3 | Andaman Webinar SCUBA DIVING Exploring the under-water world Andaman Webinar | 4 NATURE WALK The joy of connecting with nature 5 | Andaman Webinar SNORKELING The perfect sun, sand and surf experience Andaman Webinar | 6 ADVENTURE Fabulous adrenalin- pumping experiences 7 | Andaman Webinar CULINARY A memorable gastronomic voyage Andaman Webinar | 8 IMPORTANT INFOrmatiON FOR TRAVELLERS 9 | Andaman Webinar Latest Permit Regulations for Visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands As per a new notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) requirement for foreign nationals / PIO / OCI card holders (except for those from the countries mentioned separately below) has been relaxed. The updated list is as follows. ISLANDS THAT CAN BE ISLANDS THAT ISLANDS THAT VISITED WITHOUT ANY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL PERMIT REQUIREMENTS PERMISION FROM PERMISSION FROM (EXCEPT FOR CITIZENS OF FOREST DEPARTMENT TRIBAL WELFARE Afghanistan, CHINA, – AS OF NOW, THESE DEPARTMENT – AS OF Pakistan, FOREIGN ISLANDS CAN’T BE NOW, THESE ISLANDS natiONALS OF these VISITED CAN’T BE VISITED couNtRIes) North Andaman East Island Strait Island Smith Island (Day Visit only) Curfew Island North Sentinel Island Aves Island (Day Visit only) Stewart Island Chowra Middle Andaman Landfall Island Tillang Chong Island Long Island Narcondum Island Teressa Baratang (Day Visit only) Interview Island Katchal South Andaman Nancowry Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) Kamorta Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) Pulomilo Flat Bay (Day visit only) – CAN’T Great Nicobar BE VISITED, AS OF NOW Viper Island (Day visit only) Little Nicobar North Passage (Day visit only) – CAN’T BE VISITED, AS OF NOW Little Andaman Andaman Webinar | 10 • Citizens of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, foreign nationals of Pakistani origin: these individuals require special permission to visit Andaman Islands and cannot enter the territory without prior approval of Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India. If there is a stamp on their visa that reads, ‘not valid for restricted areas’ or similar, they will need to contact the issuing embassy. • 11 un-inhabited islands have been added to the existing 30 islands that can be visited without RAP. Only day visits are allowed to these islands. However, the Andaman Administration has not operationalized mechanisms to visit many of the islands on the list and they remain practically out of bounds on the ground as on date. • As applicable for all foreign nationals entering India, foreign nationals must carry a valid Indian visa. • As applicable for all foreign nationals entering India, foreign passports must be valid for at least 6 months. • As applicable for all foreign nationals in India, foreign nationals staying for more than 180 days must be registered with FRO Port Blair within 14 days. • The Central Government has approved to waive the mandatory registration process of foreign tourists with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of their arrival. 11 | Andaman Webinar AIRLINES CONNECTION TO POrt BLAIR (Subject to change) FROM FROM FROM FROM FROM CHENNAI KOLKATA BANGALORE MUMBAI NEW DELHI (NON STOP) (NON STOP) (NON STOP) (1 STOP) (1 STOP) DEP ARR DEP ARR DEP ARR DEP ARR DEP ARR 0815 1030 0835 1055 1145 1430 0400 0725 0545 1055 GO AIR - - - - - - 0545 1030 0550 1430 0825 1040 0640 0845 0625 1040 0620 1230 0455 0950 INDIGO - - 0735 0950 0730 1230 - - 0355 1040 - - - - 0430 0705 - - - - 1205 1415 1210 1430 0835 1130 0725 1415 0925 1430 SPICE JET - - 0740 1415 - - - - 0505 0720 0540 0750 - - 0555 1240 0530 0915 AIR INDIA 1030 1240 - - - - - - 0605 1240 1110 1330 1330 1210 - - - - 0745 1305 VISTARA - - 1050 1305 - - - - 0730 1330 JET 1220 1440 - - 0900 1440 0855 1440 0650 1440 AIRWAYS Andaman Webinar | 12 GOOD AIR CONNECTIVITY WITHIN THE regiON Map not to scale 13 | Andaman Webinar ABOUT FERRY OptiONS All the private ferries normally connect Port Blair, Neil and Havelock. The sectors are subject to change, depending upon factors such as load, sailing, service and maintenance. Sailing on the Neil Island sector is seasonal and not constant from May to September. GREEN OCean Green Ocean operates two ferries - Green Ocean 1 and Green Ocean 2. Green Ocean is the first and the only all-weather deep-sea vessel in operation between Port Blair and Havelock. It offers an almost unparalleled experience. The consciously designed space on the ship facilitates unrestricted movement for guests and they can enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands during the voyage to Havelock Island. So, one need not be confined to a seat and may catch some fresh air. This spacious deep-sea vessel is perfect for an entertaining day tour cruise. Passengers may also buy snacks and beverages. Duration (Subject to change, depending upon weather conditions) • Port Blair – Havelock – 2.5 Hours • Havelock – Neil Island – 1 Hour • Neil – Port Blair – 1.5 Hours M.V. Makruzz M.V. Makruzz is the first privately owned luxury catamaran in the Andaman and Nicobar islands. This state-of-the-art vessel plies between Port Blair and Havelock and is also available for charter. It’s a high-speed twin vessel Passenger Ferry with lots of space. The two decks can accommodate 280 passengers and there are three classes – 208 seats in Premium, 64 seats in Deluxe and 8 seats in Royal. The vessel is fully air-conditioned. M.V. Makruzz meets the latest global safety parameters. Huge transparent dark glass windows run throughout the length of the ship’s lower and upper deck seating areas, enabling even passengers seated at the far end to enjoy panoramic views. Andaman Webinar | 14 Duration (Subject to change, depending upon weather conditions) • Port Blair – Havelock – 1.5 Hours • Havelock – Neil – 45 Mins • Neil – Port Blair – 1 hour Sea LINK INDIA PRIVate LIMITED Sea Link India Private Limited is a luxury cruise company of international standard. Its deep-sea vessel has plush interiors, spacious seats and ultra- modern features. The ship can accommodate 200 guests and has an upper and a lower deck, classified into Business, Premium and Premium Plus classes. The Business Class (Upper Deck) has 27 seats, the Lower Deck Front Position Premium Class has 84 seats and the Lower Deck Aft Position Premium Plus Class has 100 seats. There are lots of visual entertainment facilities to ensure a fun-filled voyage for guests. Imported from Singapore and manufactured by a highly reputed company, this luxury air-conditioned vessel sails from Port Blair Phoenix Bay jetty to Havelock Island. The second destination is from Port Blair Phoenix Bay jetty to Neil Island. Duration (Subject to change, depending upon weather conditions) • Port Blair – Havelock – 2 Hours • Havelock – Neil – 1.5 Hours 15 | Andaman Webinar TRAVEL TIPS TOiletries: • Sunscreen with high SPF • Insect repellent • Lotion (Aloe Vera) or after sun • Your own skin care or face wash cream • Vital medications • Normal home toiletries such as toothbrush and paste, razor and cream, deodorant etc CLOTHING & Attire: • Sunglasses, Hat or Cap for shade from the sun • Light cotton clothing, sarongs, sun dresses, light shorts or pants, light shirts • Bathing suits. Board shorts, bikinis etc • Slides, slippers & comfortable open shoes • Smart casual for evening meals Other ITEMS: • Digital camera or video camera, Reading and personal entertainment, Rucksack for day trips • Diving certificates, ticket and log book, or required doctor’s letters if you have a medical condition and want to Andaman Webinar | 16 CUISINE The Andaman and Nicobar is a paradise for seafood lovers and there is a huge variety of crabs, lobsters, prawns and fish to look forward to. Rice is the staple here due to large-scale paddy cultivation. Coconut, along with fruits such as mango, sapodilla, banana and pineapple is also commonly grown. Being a cultural melting pot, the Andamans also offers a wide range of culinary choice, including Bengali and Andhra food. Similarly, the abundant use of coconut, spices and coconut oil reveals a strong Kerala influence. One may also enjoy North Indian cuisine and Mughlai food. Most of the popular restaurants are located in Havelock and Port Blair. 17 | Andaman Webinar Art AND CRAFT The main handicrafts in Andaman and Nicobar are made from the raw materials found in the islands, such as forest products and marine life. Padauk, Badam and Gurjan are the main varieties of useful timbers. Canes and bamboo are commonly found too. Marine life includes coral, driftwood, shells and seaweeds, with tortoise and turbo shells being quite popular. Exotic wood crafts, ornaments from sea-shells and palm mats are much sought after. The predominant crafts in the Andaman group of islands are different from the specialized crafts of the Nicobar group of islands. Woodwork and carpentry are the local crafts of Andaman. Furniture and other wooden articles are made from ornamental woods such as Marble Wood, Padauk and Chui. The tabletops made from Paduak burr are singular works of handicrafts in these islands. Beautifully crafted statues are also made. Cane is largely used for making baskets and furniture. The shell crafts include ashtrays, lamps, buttons and jewelry made from the polished, decorative shells. Tortoise shell is used in table lamps, boxes and decorative items. Similarly, coconut shells are used in finger